Page 22 - English 10 | Games and Activities-7

THEME 7 APPENDIX

4 RAN Chart (4) 10 GRADE
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DIWALI
Diwali is a time for thanksgiving and prayer for health, knowledge, and peace. Even though originally
it is a spiritual and religious festival, it has become a national festival for Indian people and is
considered the biggest and most important holiday of the year in India. The origin of the word
“Diwali” is known to come from the Sanskrit word “deepavali”, which means “rows of lighted lamps.”
The Diwali festival doesn’t have an exact date. It is generally celebrated between October and
November, with the date changing every year. It takes place every year after the conclusion of the
harvest. During the festival, public places, houses, shops, etc. are decorated with diyas, small oil lamps.
Fireworks are launched. People, especially children enjoy sweets. There are different traditions at
the festival. People get prepared for it by cleaning and decorating their homes. Friends and relatives
visit each other, and special meals are enjoyed.

NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY AND CHILDREN’S DAY
National Sovereignty and Children’s Day is a national festival in Turkey. April 23, 1920 is
the date when the First Grand National Assembly was opened and the sovereignty of the
Turkish people was declared. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic,
dedicated April 23 as a gift to world children because of their importance in our future.
Because the festival symbolizes the common will and independence of the Turkish nation, it is
celebrated very enthusiastically by Turkish people who are sentimental about both their national and
religious festivals. Many traditions can be observed related to this festival. Every street, building, and
house is decorated with flags. Students decorate their classrooms with flags, balloons, and handmade
items. In the morning part of the festival, people of all ages and students visit the festival areas
where poems are recited and folk dances are performed. Torchlight processions and concerts are
arranged, parades are held, various shows are performed and fireworks are launched in the evening.
The festival is considered to be very important for the nation as it flourishes national emotions,
strengthens the ties with the past, and gives a chance to cherish the founder of the country, Mustafa
Kemal Atatürk as well as the martyrs.

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